Troopers ruled out speed and impairment in the crash that killed 17-year-old Jacob Huffman on August 30 in Hiddenite. He was driving a 1991 Chevrolet S-10 when it veered across the centerline and struck a Ford Ranger head-on.

On the morning of August 30, a tragic accident in Hiddenite resulted in the death of 17-year-old Jacob Huffman. 

The crash occurred around 10:50 a.m. on Sharpe Mill Road near Johnson Farm Road, shocking residents and prompting an immediate response from authorities. 

Investigators have since ruled out speed and impairment as causes of the collision, focusing instead on other possible factors.

According to reports, Jacob was driving a 1991 Chevrolet S-10 pickup when his vehicle unexpectedly crossed the centerline and collided head-on with a Ford Ranger traveling in the opposite direction. 

The force of the crash was devastating, causing significant damage to both vehicles. Emergency responders arrived quickly but, tragically, Jacob was not wearing a seatbelt and was pronounced dead at the scene. 

The impact was so severe that it shook nearby homes and prompted the temporary closure of the roadway, which remained shut for about two hours while authorities conducted their investigation.

The other driver involved, Kimberly Smith Bebber, age 56, sustained